World Cup: Jordan Henderson key to nullifying Modric

Henderson will be up against a world-class midfield against CroatiaClive Rose/Getty Images

As England chase immortality here, perhaps only Martin Glenn has more cause than Jordan Henderson to wonder what might have happened had Sam Allardyce remained in charge of the national team. If Glenn, the FA chief executive, can consider himself fortunate to have seen Gareth Southgate fall into his lap after Allardyce’s ill-fated dalliance with undercover reporters, then Henderson too has reason to see positives from an otherwise ignominious chapter.

Allardyce, remember, had been so unenthusiastic about England’s midfield options when taking over in the aftermath of Euro 2016 that he discussed the prospect of bringing in Steven Nzonzi. The midfielder, born in France and who plays for Seville, had been signed by Allardyce for Blackburn Rovers in 2009 to stiffen his engine room and…

Want to read more?

Subscribe now and get unlimited digital access on web and our smartphone and tablet apps, free for your first month.